Vocab Ch. 1-4 Flashcards
asperity
- Sharpness or harshness of manner.
2. Roughness of surface; unevenness.
bane
A person or thing that destroys or causes harm.
buffoon
A person who often makes attempts to be funny; a clown; a fool.
doleful
Mournful or full of sorrow; causing grief.
extrovert
A person whose attention is focused on others and on what is going on around her or him, rather than on her or his own feelings.
garish
Excessively bright and flashy; tastelessly glaring.
hierarchy
A group or system in which positions of power are ranked, usually from lowest to highest.
imbue
To fill completely with a feeling or idea; to inspire.
instigate
To stir up or urge on; to provoke.
penchant
A strong attraction or leaning.
rambunctious
Behaving in a wild and unruly manner.
repertoire
The list of pieces an actor, musician, etc., is ready to perform; the skills or accomplishments of a person or group.
rudiment
- A basic principle or skill.
2. An undeveloped or beginning stage.
undermine
- To weaken or ruin by degrees.
2. To attack by indirect, secret, or underhanded means.
unremitting
Not stopping or slowing down; constant.
adjudicate
To hear and decide judicially; to judge.
centennial
A one-hundredth anniversary or its celebration.
countenance
- A person’s face; the expression on a person’s face.
2. Support or approval.
disgruntle
To make dissatisfied; to put in a bad mood.
equilibrium
A state of balance.
expedite
To speed up a process; to facilitate.
gird
- To encircle, bind, or surround.
2. To get ready for action; to brace.
gratuitus
- Not called for; unnecessary.
2. Without charge; free.
illusory
Unreal or imagined; deceiving.
implacable
Incapable of being placated, soothed, or significantly changed; relentless.
luminary
- A source of light, especially from the sky, such as the sun or moon.
- A person who is well known for her or his achievements; a celebrity.
manifesto
A public statement explaining the intentions, motives, or views of an individual or group.
mesmerize
To fascinate or hypnotize.
precedent
An act or statement that may serve as an example or justification for a later one.
spurious
Not genuine; false.
curtail
To cut short or reduce.
discriminate
- To make or recognize clear distinctions.
2. To treat in a less or more favorable way.
espionage
The act of spying, especially a government spy obtaining secrets of another government.
inalienable
Not able to be taken or given away.
incarcerate
To confine or to put in prison.
indignity
An insult to one’s pride; offensive or humiliating treatment.
indiscriminate
Not marked by careful distinctions; haphazard.
infamous
- Having a very bad reputation; notorious.
2. Disgraceful; vicious.
intercede
To act or plead on another’s behalf; to try to smooth the differences between two parties.
malign
- To say negative and unfair things about; slander.
2. Evil; showing ill will.
perpetrate
To commit, as a crime or other antisocial act.
rampant
Threateningly wild, without restraint or control; widespread.
rancor
A deep, long-held feeling of hatred or bitterness.
reparation
- A mending or repair.
2. (usually plural) A making up or payment for a wrong or damage done, especially in the case of an international war.
smattering
- Superficial, scattered knowledge.
2. A small amount.
accolade
An expression of approval or respect for special merit; an award.
adamant
Not yielding; firm.
adulate
To flatter or admire excessively; to idolize.
altercation
A loud and determined dispute; a noisy quarrel.
annals
A historical record of events, often arranged in a yearly sequence.
assiduous
Diligent and persistent.
chary
Exercising caution; hesitant.
clique
A small, exclusive group; a group held together by like interests or purpose.
decrepit
Worn-out with use; broken-down.
endow
To provide with a quality, a thing, or a gift of money.
ephemeral
Lasting a very short time.
ingratiate
To work to gain the favor of someone.
pantheon
A group of people held in high esteem for their great achievements.
perverse
- Turned away from what is right; wicked.
2. Stubbornly opposing what is right or reasonable; obstinate.
tutelage
Instruction, protection, or guardianship.
